CHA Project Planning & Execution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When establishing the scope of a handwriting analysis project, which factor is most important to define first?
- The number of writing samples to be collected
- The purpose and intended use of the analysis findings (Correct answer)
- The geographic location of the subjects
- The color of ink used in the samples
Correct answer: The purpose and intended use of the analysis findings
Defining the purpose and intended use of findings determines all other project parameters, including sample requirements and reporting format.
Question 2: A handwriting analyst is asked to compare signatures on two contracts signed three years apart. What is the best first step in execution?
- Immediately note all differences between the signatures
- Verify chain of custody and document provenance of both samples (Correct answer)
- Begin writing the final report
- Scan all documents at 72 DPI for digital analysis
Correct answer: Verify chain of custody and document provenance of both samples
Verifying chain of custody and provenance ensures the samples are authentic and admissible before any analytical work begins.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a 'blind analysis' protocol in a handwriting project?
- The analyst works in a dimly lit room to reduce visual bias
- The analyst receives samples without identifying information about the writer (Correct answer)
- All samples are photocopied before examination
- The client does not attend the analysis session
Correct answer: The analyst receives samples without identifying information about the writer
Blind analysis means the analyst evaluates samples without access to the writer's identity, reducing confirmation bias.
Question 4: When planning a questioned document examination, the ideal comparison exemplar should be:
- Written several years before the questioned document
- Collected under controlled conditions around the same time as the questioned document (Correct answer)
- Typed rather than handwritten to ensure uniformity
- Produced from a different writing instrument for contrast
Correct answer: Collected under controlled conditions around the same time as the questioned document
Exemplars collected contemporaneously under controlled conditions most accurately reflect the writer's habitual writing at the relevant time.
Question 5: In project execution, what is the primary reason for maintaining detailed case notes throughout a handwriting analysis?
- To increase the billable hours of the project
- To provide a reproducible record that supports or defends the analyst's conclusions (Correct answer)
- To comply with copyright law on handwriting samples
- To allow the client to perform the analysis independently
Correct answer: To provide a reproducible record that supports or defends the analyst's conclusions
Detailed case notes create a documented, reproducible trail that supports the analyst's conclusions and can withstand peer or legal scrutiny.
Question 6: A client submits only a photocopy of the questioned document. How should the analyst address this in project planning?
- Accept the photocopy and proceed normally
- Note the limitation in the report and request the original if possible (Correct answer)
- Refuse the case entirely
- Request that the client recreate the document by hand
Correct answer: Note the limitation in the report and request the original if possible
Photocopies lack pen pressure and stroke detail, so the analyst should document this limitation and seek the original whenever possible.
Question 7: Which project milestone typically marks the transition from the examination phase to the reporting phase in handwriting analysis?
- Receipt of payment from the client
- Completion of the comparison matrix and all feature documentation (Correct answer)
- Filing of the chain-of-custody form
- Selection of the final report template
Correct answer: Completion of the comparison matrix and all feature documentation
A completed comparison matrix with all features documented signals that the analytical work is done and conclusions can now be formally reported.
CHA Project Planning & Execution 2
When establishing the scope of a handwriting analysis project, which factor is most important to define first?